The L.A. Times spoke with Joshua Tree local Joe De Luca who told them, “It’s a free-for-all in there. Absolutely ridiculous.” He then informed the Times of breakdowns in the campground reservation system, illegal camping practices and visitors stringing Christmas lights from delicate Joshua trees that they are supposed to leave untouched.

Amidst the disorganization, volunteers have spurred and are working tirelessly to preserve the parks. Joshua Tree rock-climber, 54-year-old Marine Corps veteran and paraplegic Rand Abbott told the Times that he went through 500 rolls of toilet paper while restocking park toilets on the first full day of the shutdown, and has been giving out trash bags to people – totaling at least 60 hours at the time of reporting on Dec. 26.

He’s also been trying to talk visitors out of illegal fires, illegal parking, littering and other forbidden activities. He told the Times, “Some comply right away, but 70-percent of the people I run into are extremely rude. Yesterday, I had my life threatened two times. It’s crazy in there right now.”

The National Park Service has begun closing parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park due to “human waste issues, wildlife concerns and overall public health.” Although, there will be no park rangers on staff to enforce the closures – so all they can do is close designated camping areas and restrooms.